4 Fast Facts About Hearing Aid Fittings

After your hearing tests and exams, your audiologist recommended hearing aids. You’ve decided on a model and are looking forward to the next step, your hearing aid fitting appointment. Here are some facts about hearing aid fittings and what to expect.

1. Your hearing aids will be programmed and tested.

After you and your audiologist determined the best hearing aids for your hearing loss, you may have had earmold impressions made to help with the fit. These molds were used to make your hearing aids. Next, your audiologist programs your hearing aids, and then you will have a sound test. This test involves measuring the impact of soft and loud sounds on your eardrum. A thin tube is inserted in your ear canal and measurements are taken. Then a hearing aid is placed in your ear, along with the tube, and the test is repeated. Your audiologist then balances amplification so your hearing aids work effectively.

2. You will wear your hearing aids home that day.

Some people are surprised to learn that once the units are tested and set up, they are ready to leave the office wearing their hearing aids. But there is a break-in period. You will gradually build up the length of time you wear your hearing aids until you have them in all day, every day.

3. You will learn all the details about your particular model hearing aids.

The appointment takes about an hour or two because there’s more than just another physical exam. Your audiologist will show you how your hearing aids work, how to insert and remove them, how to adjust volume and other settings, how to change the batteries and how to clean them. This is the time to ask any questions you may have. You also can take notes, and you will receive brochures and materials to help keep the information front of mind.

4. You will hear things you haven’t heard in years.

During and after your hearing aid fitting, you will likely be surprised at the “new” sounds you hear. Some people notice a ticking clock or the rustling of leaves – sounds that faded away due to hearing loss. Sometimes these sounds may become distracting as your brain adjusts to hearing new sounds. The first several days after your hearing aid fitting, it’s best to wear your units in a quieter environment. It takes time to become accustomed to noisier situations such as a restaurant or a party.

The hearing aid fitting process is simple and straightforward. You will quickly become accustomed to wearing your hearing aids and will notice an improvement in your quality of life. Follow-up visits take place semi-annually or annually, and you will see your audiologist for professional cleanings a few times a year.